Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The iPhone 5S was announced in September 2013 and features a new, larger sensor, with even bigger pixels. Resolution remains the same at 8 megapixels. Combining this with the larger f/2.2 aperture lens means there's more light getting to the sensor for improved pictures.
iPhone 5S Camera Features
The iPhone 5S has an 8 megapixel back-illuminated sensor, which is 15% larger than the sensor used in the iPhone 5, and a fixed f/2.2 aperture lens which lets in even more light. There is auto image stabilisation, which works by taking four images and combining the best parts. The iPhone 5S is capable of shooting at 10 fps.
The camera app has a limited number of modes. The photo app includes the ability to shoot HDR images. You can also apply one of 8 photo filters such as mono and chrome. You can shoot square pictures as well as 360 panoramas. The True Tone flash combines a white and an amber LED to adjust the flash intensity and colour temperature to light your subject perfectly. All images are geotagged automatically.
Videos are recorded in full 1080p HD. The 3x digital zoom is available during recording and you can also record slow-motion 720p HD videos at 120 fps. Pictures can be taken during video recording.
Key Features
- 8 megapixel back-illuminated sensor
- f/2.2 lens
- Auto image stabilisation
- 4.0 inch 1136 x 640 touch screen
- 16Gb, 32Gb and 64Gb capacities
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0
- Photo geotagging
- Full 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps
- Auto ISO (up to ISO 2500)
- Burst mode
- Panorama mode
- HDR mode
- Available in space grey, gold or silver
iPhone 5S Camera Handling
Unfortunately, a common problem with iPhone's, the battery life is terrible for continuous use during the day, so regular charging is a must. We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot and focusing speed. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.
| Focus / Shutter Response | 0.1 secs | |
| Switch on Time to Taking a Photo | 28 secs | |
| Shot to Shot without Flash | 0.6 secs | |
| Shot to Shot with Flash | 2.0 secs | |
| Continuous Shooting | 10.2 fps |
The continuous shooting speeds are very impressive.
iPhone 5S Camera Performance
Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.
Apple iPhone 5S Sample Photos
Sample Photos - Images are colourful and well exposed. Portraits have decent skin tones, but there is a little red-eye when using the flash. Unfortunately the fixed wide-angle makes it difficult to take flattering portraits, but the front lens isn't as wide making it the preferred choice for a selfie. The new flash has also made a massive improvement to shots in low light.
Apple iPhone 5S Lens test images
Lens Performance - Image detail is good, certainly acceptable for an 8 megapixel sensor. You can use digital zoom but you'd be better off not using it and cropping images instead. Purple fringing isn't an issue, but moire is. It can be seen in our wide angle picture in the centre of the building. You can't get that close to subjects, so macro shots won't be brilliant. The last picture above clearly shows the benefit of the HDR mode, there is clearly more detail in the darker sections of the building.
Apple iPhone 5S ISO test images
ISO Noise Performance - It's not possible to manually set the ISO. The iPhone 5S does generally use very low ISO settings, where noise is clearly not an issue. When you get to the higher ISO settings, such as ISO 1250 & 1600 which has been used in some of our review images, detail is quite poor.
Apple iPhone 5S White-balance test images
White Balance Performance - Again, you can't manually set the white balance. Under the incandescent lights a slightly warm image is produced, under the fluorescent lights the AWB performs well.
Panorama | 1/2415 sec | f/2.2 | 4.1 mm | ISO 40
Night Panorama | 1/120 sec | f/2.2 | 4.1 mm | ISO 1250
Panorama mode - The iPhone 5S takes 360 panorama images and the images are excellent - detail is good and stitching is superb.
Apple iPhone 5S Digital filters
Digital Filters - The camera app includes eight filters to use when shooting, examples of each are above.
Video - Below is a video recorded in full 1080p HD. Quality is good, although moire can be seen again.
Value For Money
The iPhone 5S costs around £500 without a contract, with a contract prices start from £29 from Three. Other premium smartphones with plenty of megapixels on their sensors include the Sony Xperia Z with 13.1 megapixels at around £270, Motorola Moto X with 10 megapixels for around £300, Nokia Lumia 1020 with 41 megapixels for around £350 and the Samsung Galaxy S5 with 16 megapixels for around £560. You may want to buy a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.
iPhone 5S Camera Verdict
The camera on the 5S is the best iPhone one yet, but it falls short of receiving our recommendation award. Yes, you can take great pictures, but it's still frustrating that Apple haven't allowed more manual controls over shooting. There are apps available for a self-timer or even shooting with a slow shutter speed, but it's about time there were more options available in the native camera app.
As you can see below, there are plenty of pros and it's without doubt the iPhone 5S will prove popular amongst photographers. You can shoot at 10 fps, panoramas are superb and HDR images a great and easy to take.